lau4 sau2留守
Jyutpinglau4 sau2
Yalelàuh sáu
Definition
To stay behind to guard, take care of matters, or maintain the status quo.
neutraldaily actionswork
How it's used
Often implies a sense of duty or responsibility, suggesting that the person staying behind has a specific task to complete or someone to look after. While it can apply to any situation, it is frequently used in professional or family contexts where the departure of others creates a void that needs to be filled. It carries a slightly more formal tone than simply saying 留喺度.
Examples
Nobody is home, I have to stay behind to look after the cats.
You guys go have fun, I will stay at the office to handle the documents.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 留低, which simply means to leave something behind or to stay behind without the implication of guarding or maintaining a situation. 留守 specifically emphasizes the act of holding the fort or maintaining a presence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
